Windies end Australia win wait
Published: 19 March 2012

The West Indies, England’s first home opposition of the 2012 summer at Lord's, recorded their first victory over Australia since 2006 in an ODI in St Vincent.

In front of a fervent full house, Kieron Pollard and off-spinner Sunil Narine starred to give ex-MCC Young Cricketer Darren Sammy arguably the biggest win of his captaincy reign so far against the no.1 ranked Aussies.

Pollard made a brutal 47 not out in a low scoring, rain affected encounter, smashing four sixes (including one which sailed out of the stadium) to guide his team home.

His Trinidad and Tobago teammate Narine was named man of the match though, after recording his ODI best figures of 4-27.

The performance continues the 23-year-old off spinner’s remarkable form in 2012, after he took 31 wickets in just three first-class matches for T&T in the Caribbean four day competition.

With a high action and the ability to spin the ball in both directions, England will be watching his progress closely as the West Indies play a further two ODIs, two T20s and three Tests against the Aussies.

In just six first-class matches Narine has taken 34 wickets at the phenomenal average of 11.88 and seems certain to make his Test debut in Barbados next month.

Number one battle

South Africa meanwhile enter the third and final Test of their series against New Zealand with a 2-0 victory in their sights after comfortably winning the second Test in Hamilton by a convincing nine wickets.

A series whitewash would have seen them overtake England as the world’s no.1 ranked Test side but rain ruined an intriguing final day of the first Test.

Vernon Philander continued his remarkable start to his Test career in Hamilton though, taking match figures of 10-114 to set up the win. The seamer now has 45 wickets at just 13.60 - including five 5-wicket hauls - in his six Test appearances.

England play two Tests and two ODIs at Lord’s in 2012, against the West Indies, Australia and South Africa. The ODIs are both sold out but tickets for both Tests are still available.